The Peace Corps offers volunteer programs in over 60 countries, but before you apply to the Peace Corps, it's important that you do your research and consider deeply where in the world you would like to volunteer and what type of work you would most enjoy. We strongly discourage applying to a Peace Corps program before you speak with a recruiter; our Rutgers Peace Corps recruiter can help you understand your options and feel confident that you can commit to your selected program.

Peace Corps service can be the first step toward a career or the continuation of a life's work, and you can sharpen your skills in a field you've always loved, or challenge yourself with a new opportunity. Find out more about the types of volunteer areas below.

Peace Corps Volunteer Sectors

Agriculture
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Agriculture volunteers work with small-scale farmers and families to increase food security and production and adapt to climate change while promoting environmental conservation.

They introduce farmers to techniques that prevent soil erosion, reduce the use of harmful pesticides, and replenish the soil. They work alongside farmers on integrated projects that often combine vegetable gardening, livestock management, agroforestry, and nutrition education.

Community Economic Development
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Volunteers work with development banks, nongovernmental organizations, and municipalities to encourage economic opportunities in communities. They frequently teach in classroom settings and work with entrepreneurs and business owners to develop and market their products.

Some volunteers also teach basic computer skills and help communities take advantage of technologies that connect them to the global marketplace.

Education
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Education is the Peace Corps’ largest program area. Volunteers play an important role in creating links among schools, parents, and communities. They may work in elementary, secondary, or post secondary schools, teaching subjects such as math, science, or conversational English; or as resource teachers or teacher trainers. Volunteers also develop libraries and technology resource centers.

Environment
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Volunteers lead grassroots efforts to protect the environment and strengthen understanding of environmental issues. They teach environmental awareness in schools and to local organizations, empowering communities to make their own decisions about how to conserve the local environment.

Volunteers also address environmental degradation by promoting sustainable use of natural resources.

Health
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Health volunteers work within their communities to promote important topics such as nutrition, maternal and child health, basic hygiene, and water sanitation.

Volunteers also work in HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs, where they train youth as peer educators, provide support to children orphaned by the disease, and create programs that provide emotional and financial support to families and communities affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Youth in Development
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Volunteers work with youth in communities to promote engagement and active citizenship, including gender awareness, employability, health and HIV/AIDS education, environmental awareness, sports and fitness programs, and information technology.